A plenum of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which opened on October 15 in Beijing for four days, highlights "cultural development" of the country. The leaders present endorsed the guidelines adopted by the 25-member Political Bureau on October 18 that is aimed at boosting China's soft power and maintaining "cultural security" by deepening the reform of China's cultural system and promoting the development of the cultural industry.

The country will also endeavor to improve Chinese citizens' sense of identity and confidence in Chinese culture, according to a communiqué issued after the session.

China is currently facing a tough task in protecting "cultural security" and feeling the urgency of enhancing its soft power and the international influence of its own culture, the communiqué said.

The document surely "embody the wisdom of the CPC and other groups as a whole and serve as a guide to accelerate cultural reforms," said Wang Jiaxiang, professor and expert on cultural studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Meanwhile, to build a country with enhanced cultural strength is a far-sighted strategy, asChinahas grown up to be an emerging economy and will turn out full-fledged with comprehensive strength.

Hence, build-up of a country with cultural influence also calls for "advance with times."

China now has half a billion Internet users and more than 200 million users of microblogging. The governments at varying levels have been increasingly aware of the ability of the Internet to guide public opinion and therefore are ratcheting up the effort to communicate with the grassroots through the Net.

The communiqué pointed out that efforts should be made to improve media work and promote the sound and positive development of Internet culture.

The plenum, again, draws an enticing blueprint for the moderately prosperous society as a large developing socialist country with an ancient civilization, which also features markedly improved livelihood for the people, more extensive democratic rights, higher ethical standards, greater social vitality coupled with stability and unity.

Both officials and scholars attending the meeting agreed to firmly adhere to the common ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and that socialist core values should be embodied in the production and distribution of cultural products. Move over, "cultural products should serve the people and socialism and follow the correct direction," as it is put in the communiqué.

"Talent building" was also mentioned as a mission in the meeting's communiqué. It is compulsory to nurture both high-end and grassroots talent teams, as well as leading figures in the industry in the years to come.

The historic document lays bare the CPC's innermost thoughts in building up a country with comprehensive strength and a people who not merely enjoy ample material life, but also savor a healthy and rich cultural life.

Culture is emerging as an important part of the country's comprehensive competitiveness in today's world, the communiqué said.

The principle of "putting people first" has been a long-time guideline of the CPC, resulting in the abolishment of ancient agricultural tax and the implementation of free education in poor rural areas in the past years.

And confidence in their own culture, access to cultural infrastructure and services can assure the Chinese people of a more colorful and healthy lifestyle.

(CNTV.cn, Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2011)